Church of Our Lady of the Glory
Church of Our Lady of the Glory is rich in history and sits on a hill offering some nice views of the city
One very special and beautifully distinct church is the Church of Our Lady of the Glory, considered to be one of the most characteristic monuments to come out of Brazil's colonized years.
The Church of Our Lady of the Glory or Nossa Senhora da Glória in Portuguese started in a small hermitage in the seventeenth century. When the actual construction began, no one knows, all we do know is that it was inaugurated in 1739. There are some tales that credit Jose Cardoso Ramalho, a Portugeuse military engineer, with the project but there is no proof of that. The stone which was used to build the church was quarried in the Morro da Nova Sintra found in the neighbourhood of Glory.
The Church of Our Lady of the Glory forms two octagons placed to form an eight. This type of elliptical construction is typical of Baroque architecture and the Church of Our Lady of the Glory is the first building in Rio de Janeiro to have this style of construction. The entrance to the church is a magnificent archway with a medallion of the Virgin and Child above it. The entrance and the other two archways were carved in stone and limestone which was imported from Lisbon in the eighteenth century.
The carvings on the altar and elsewhere in the church are very interesting and beautifully done. There is no missing the mosaics and pictures throughout the church. These alone are worth making the trip for.
Perhaps due to its unique construction, the Church of Our Lady of the Glory was the favoured church of the Royal Portuguese Family. In 1819 Princess Maria da Gloria, future Queen Dona Maria the second, was baptized in the church. This started a tradition and all members of the royal family were baptized in that church following that date.
It is not only the Church of Our Lady of the Glory which is magnificent and fascinating to visit. There is also a museum attached to the church which contains a substantial collection of objects of worship and devotion.
The view from the church is not one to be missed. The church seems to be perched on the edge of the hill on which it is built and a wonderful view of Guanabara Bay can be seen from its surrounding gardens and from its windows. In fact, this hill itself is of great importance to Rio de Janeiro as it is the hill which marks Portuguese victory of the French.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Praça Nossa Sra. da Glória, 26 - Glória, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20241-180, Brazil
Phone: (21) 2557-4600
Official Website: Igreja do Outeiro da Glória
Igreja do Outeiro da Glória Reviews
Rated out of 5
Charming Church up the hill. You get a nice view of the bay. Small inside but well preserved. There are few parking spaces here but a guy is there to charge. Worth the visit and the walk down if you feel adventurous enough.
Natinho Lima - 4 months ago
Beautiful church on top of the hill. Interesting art tiles inside the church. Built during the colonial days.
Town Traveller - a year ago
My husband and I got married in this church in 1993. Beautiful and holy place! Great memories!
daniela wieczorek - 4 months ago
Landmark of Rio, masterpiece in colonial archicteture this Church is replete of history. More than a mere Catholic Church it offers Masses only at 9 & 11 o'clock also baptism & weddings. Open for visitation during these hours. There is a museum & reading room anexed to the building. Check schedule in advance because COVID to avoid disappointment but you weren't since the location of the Church is one of the most beautiful places in Rio!
L H Silva-Clark (Tupinambah) - 3 years ago
I did not have the pleasure of attending mass here but this is a beautiful church on the top of a hill that is worth visiting either in the early morning or around sunset to see the beautiful views of Rio de Janeiro and the domestic airport.
Traci - 8 years ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange | Gloria | 3 Minutes |
How to get to Igreja do Outeiro da Glória by Metro
Take Metro Line 1 to Gloria Station. Exit and walk south along the side walk and go left on the next road between the white apartment buildings. Follow the road continuing up hill on the cobblestones to the church.
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Photo Gallery
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Church of Our Lady of the Glory commands a great view from the top of the hill cc licensed photo by Rodrigo Soldon -
Cobblestone road leading up to the hill to Church of Our Lady of the Glory cc licensed photo by Jim Killock -
View of Our Lady of the Glory from the top of the hill cc licensed photo by Jim Killock -
Photo Credit: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro -
Photo Credit: Town Traveller -
Photo Credit: Sandra Silva -
Photo Credit: Willian Plinio -
Photo Credit: Guilherme Wanderley André
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